But it's December the twenty-fourth
Tuesday, December 23rd, approx. 5:00pm, approx. £346,500/£350,000 raised so far
“Regulus. You can not do this,” James says, a little star struck. And confused. Very confused.
“Why not?” Regulus asks excitedly. “I have the money. You need the money. It’ll be good, trust me, it’s worth it.”
“It’s £3,500, that’s why not,” James gently says. “That’s a lot of money. I can’t just let you throw that away.”
“No it’s not,” Regulus laughs. “I mean, I paid Dorcas £1,000 just to talk to you that morning. This isn’t that big of a deal for me.”
“That’s…insane. It’s insane. This idea, no offence, is insane. Also, you paid Dorcas so you wouldn’t have to talk to me?” James looks more confused, and a bit more hurt, than ever.
“Don’t think of it that way! It was my own issues, I didn’t even know you then,” Regulus defends.
“Oh. That helps, I suppose.”
“You suppose? I literally didn’t know you besides the fact that you were Sirius’ best friend. It was torture having to be around you all those times before, with the loitering and stuff.”
“Wow. Hurtful, but I guess not insane. That still doesn’t change the fact that this idea is insane.”
Regulus sighs. “It’s not, not really. Think about it!” He’s so enthusiastic about it, James just has to listen and forgive, not to mention it’s Regulus he’s listening to. He has that same look in his eye he got after throwing the snowballs, a twinkle set against pale blue that James just can’t resist. He’s not even sure he’s hearing entirely what he’s saying, but James is a goner. How can he say no? Why would he want to?
“Okay,” he agrees, albeit a bit hesitantly. “We can do it.”
“I was going to either way, but I’m glad you approve.”
“I still can’t believe you think £3,500 is no big deal, though,” James says, shaking his head as he walks with Regulus. They’re on their way to the bank already, thanks to Regulus’ hurry, and flurries float down all around them. It’s about 5 now, so it’s even getting dusky. It’s all so romantic, and reminds James of their first date. Oh, how he’d love to recreate that moment -
Regulus looks over at him, giving him a small peck before continuing to speed walk. It’s like he can read minds. Is there anything Regulus can’t do? James doesn’t think so.
“It isn’t to him,” Sirius grumbles from behind James. Sirius has always had a habit of getting cold, like unreasonably cold, so he looks ridiculous grumbling into one of Regulus’ scarves he must’ve grabbed. James knows it’s because of the fact he grew up not exactly eating a lot. Sirius insists it’s poor blood circulation. “Growing up, £500 was pocket change. When you earned it, that is.”
James just shakes his head again in disbelief. “There are so many times those pounds would’ve gotten our bills paid, that’s incredible.”
“That’s Walburga and Orion for you, Jamie,” Sirius shrugs. “Not worth fretting over now, especially when you’re about to get, you know, £3,500 and an entire Christmas Tree Farm.”
“Fair point,” James agrees, then has to sprint to catch up with Regulus, making Sirius catch up with the both of them, although he’d never actually let Sirius walk behind. That’s his own choice, so they can’t hear whatever he's mumbling under his breath as they flirt.
“You’ve got to stop running away from me,” James jokes when he reaches Regulus. Regulus shrugs.
“I just walk fast. You’re the one choosing to keep up,” Regulus shoots back, but he’s smiling, so it can’t be too mean or a barely concealed metaphor for their entire relationship then, can it? Either way, James doesn’t mind. He’d run after Regulus any day, because he understands it’s not exactly Regulus’ fault he walks fast. He’s just used to it, and James isn’t going to control that or stop it, so it’s up to him to either keep the pace or let Regulus go. It’s an easy choice he happily makes, as he lengthens his stride to continue talking.
After maybe 15 minutes of walking and complaining from Sirius about hypothermia, they make it to a bank. Luckily, Regulus’ bank is the closest one. The teller is a bit bewildered by the request for so much cash, and even “discreetly” asks him if this is a hostage situation, which he just laughs off. Apparently, that’s common business with the Black family.
After a bit more negotiating, Regulus does get his money, and hands it to James immediately.
“£3,500. Go save your farm.”
“Regulus-”
“James, I mean it. Let me make up this one thing to you. Please. I’ve done enough against Potterly Trees, I have to help.”
“I’ll give this right back to that nice woman if you’re only doing this because you think you’re not good enough,” James says, and from his eyes, Regulus knows he isn’t joking. He’ll save Regulus from himself over his farm. What did he ever do to deserve James?
“No, that’s not why,” Regulus rushes to clarify. “You deserve this. You belong at the farm, and I want to see you where you belong.”
“Really? I think I belong in your arms, in that case-”
Regulus cuts him off with a kiss, laughing softly.
“There you go, you big sap. Wish granted.”
James just grins like a madman in response. He truly is smitten. Before he forgets, he sends a quick photo of the cash to Effie and Fleamont in the family group chat with an explanation of how he got it so they don’t assume anything crazy. They send back a photo of them together, with shocked, but happy faces, and invite Regulus to Christmas dinner.
“Really?” Regulus says sceptically, when James informs him of the invite.
“Truly. They love having people. Also, you just gave £3,500, which goes a long way. I got to say, I didn’t expect to get those last few thousands.”
“Really? But James, what about the community?” Regulus teases. It was cute, really, how determined he was in the beginning.
“We probably could’ve gotten more if you hadn’t been distracting me at all of the important gigs.”
“I’d bet money you enjoyed those distractions quite a bit.”
If James was embarrassed of it, he would’ve played off the blushing from the comment as something from the cold, but he’s never been embarrassed of his feelings. Never. Mostly, that’s because he’s entirely oblivious of the embarrassing ones until they’re staring him in the face, but that’s neither here nor there.
“And what if I did? Would you distract me again?”
“Wow, I don’t even feel cold anymore, you two are heating this place up so much,” Sirius deadpans, looking at both of them with dead eyes that look strangely real.
“Cheer up, Sirius. You’ll have Remus Christmas morning.”
“Oh? Is that confirmed, then?” Regulus asks, intrigued. Sirius didn’t pick anyone bad, not at all, in his opinion.
“Pretty much,” Sirius confirms. “We…may have kissed. Once. Under mistletoe. I still haven’t forgiven you for that, James.”
“You put the mistletoe there, not me,” James shrugs. “Don’t blame me.”
“I wasn’t the one who locked the stairway door,” Sirius points out, then stops, seeing James face.
“Remus didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“I only locked it so more people wouldn’t go up and get hurt by the glass!” James bursts out laughing, telling the true version of events again.
“Right,” Sirius sarcastically says.
“No, really,” James wheezes, laughing more. Their entire group has already gotten some strange looks from the people in the bank, and this really isn’t helping, James observes.
Sirius can’t seem to find something to say, for once, so he doesn’t say anything to that.
“Well, I’m happy for you, Sirius. Remus seems swell,” Regulus eventually says, to ease the tension. “Maybe we should take this conversation outside?”
So, they do. By now, it’s about 5:45, and already dark out (thanks, England). It’s still snowing, luckily, so James takes the opportunity to kiss Regulus again between boughs of laughter, making Sirius pull a face that is frankly grotesque.
“You guys seriously have to do that now?”
“Don’t be homophobic, Sirius,” Regulus says with such scorn, it even makes James worried for a second.
“Remus wouldn’t let me,” he sighs, making James laugh and Regulus roll his eyes.
“I can’t wait for December 25th, just for you, Sirius,” James sympathises.
“Thanks. That means so much,” he responds, looking at James with his arm around Regulus and Regulus looking like he’s ready to kiss him again.
“You’ll be alright,” Regulus reassures him. “It’s two days.”
“Eternity,” sighs Sirius dramatically.
“Do you know what we should do, to celebrate?” James suggests, ignoring Sirius’ dramatics.
“Celebrate what? The never-ending drag of winter days?”
“Calm down, poet,” Regulus shushes Sirius, letting James continue with his idea.
“We should all go out, to The Three Broomsticks or something. I mean, we’ve technically just saved Potterly Trees, I’d say that’s worthy of celebration, right?”
This instantly perks Sirius up. “Right on. I’ll text Remus the idea. We should be there at around 7, right?”
“Why not just pick him up now?”
“I agree with James. I’d like to meet this Remus - officially. He lives in London, right?” Regulus inquires. Sirius looks abashed, which is an interesting emotion on Sirius’ usually “tough” face.
“He’s been staying at my flat for the last…month, or so,” Sirius explains. “So it’d take him maybe 15 minutes to get there, or so.”
“Oh?” Regulus raises an eyebrow to that. James, of course, already knows this.
“Shut up. It’s for business purposes.”
“Right. Business purposes. Say, James, could I stay at your house for ‘business purposes?’” Regulus slyly asks, winking at James and licking his lips in a way that makes James absolutely feral .
“Oh, feel free to stay for any purpose. I do have to remind you, though, that I still live with my parents. We’ll have to be quiet.”
Sirius pretends to lose his lunch, hunching over and covering his ears, making James and Regulus laugh more. To James’ delight, it’s Regulus’ laugh laugh, where it’s loud and persistent and leaves his eyes shining. James would love to make it sound more romantic, but to be frank, it isn’t melodic or sounds like ringing bells. It still sounds beautiful, but a loud, deafening kind of beauty, not something soft, but not anything with edges, either. Even Sirius, with his ears covered, seems a bit amazed by it. It defies a lot of the laws of physics.
Sirius has a loud laugh. It’s very hearty, and as with a lot of laughs, you could recognize it from anywhere. As long as James has known him, he’s always had it. Regulus’ has less of that deep boom to it, making it seem more easygoing, but you can tell that they’re brothers from their laugh.
Sirius is staring at him with a sort of awe-struck, wonderful look in his eye.
“You’re laughing again,” he says softly.
Regulus nods.
“I haven’t heard you laugh like that since…” Sirius grapples with his memory for a second, “at least 15 years.”
“Dear old mum. She really hated children, didn’t she?” Regulus shrugs. “I realised I hadn’t lost it after throwing those snowballs at you. That whole thing was just so funny, and James was there, and-”
Unexpectedly, Sirius gets up, walks over, and crashes into Regulus with a big bear hug.
“Sirius-”
Sirius shushes him, just holding him tightly, while Regulus awkwardly holds his arms at a weird angle and tries to still stand tall.
“I’m sorry,” Sirius whispers. “For leaving you there.”
“Sirius, it’s okay, I mean I appreciate that-”
“No. Really. It’s been eating me up for the past 10 years, and I’m just truly sorry. For what they did to you. For what I let them do to you.”
“Really, I get it now, you were a kid too-”
“Regulus, just shut up and let me apologise, okay?”
Regulus smiles, finally wrapping his arms around his brother as well.
“I forgive you. I’m sorry I didn’t.”
“I’m sorry I blamed you.”
“Thank you.”
“Thanks.”
“Friends?”
“Brothers.”
James has tears in his eyes, and they’re not from the biting cold of the wind. He doesn’t let them fall though, wanting this moment to be just for Sirius and Regulus.
Regulus is eventually the one to pull away, quickly wiping his eyes. “Gosh, Sirius, way to make me cry right after I start laughing again.”
This only makes Sirius cry-laugh some more, until they’re hugging again and having to pull away again.
“So,” says Sirius finally, shaking his head to rid it of any lingering unpleasant emotions. “Drinks, now?”
“Forgot we have to get really sad and emotional before we drink,” Regulus jokes.
“Reggie…”
“Come off it, Sirius, I’m only joking. And I’ve called us a cab, so don’t do anything weird like hugging me again or I’ll push you out of it.”
There’s the Regulus James knows and…loves? Likes? He doesn’t know yet, but he’s leaning towards the first option at the moment.
They arrive at The Three Broomsticks at what can’t be more than 5 minutes late, and find Remus sitting at a booth, using his eyes to search for them. He’s wearing a jumper with little brown and white, Christmassy looking patterns scattered over it, and a simple pair of brown corduroy pants. It’s the most unprofessional James has ever seen him look. He wonders how Sirius is going to make it to December 25th, with Remus looking like that.
“Remus!” Sirius yells, waving at him. Remus waves them over.
“Have you three eaten?” He asks, not singling out Regulus. James’ stomach rumbles - even if he’d already eaten dinner, which he hasn’t, he’d be hungry anyways.
“I’m guessing no, then. I think Rosmerta should be over here soon, if that helps,” Remus says.
Regulus leaves to wash his hands, and as soon as he’s out of earshot, Remus takes the opportunity to ask Sirius, “Is he on our side now?”
“You’re never going to believe who gave us the rest of the money,” Sirius grins at Remus. “It was insane. Regulus was being odd, well not for him but odd enough for us, so me and James barge into his place, right? Anyhow, him and James are a thing now-” James smiles widely, holding a thumbs up to Remus happily “-and Regulus decided to donate the £3,500!”
“He did? Just like that?”
“Yep! We went to the nearest bank and took out the cash just like that,” Sirius leans in, whispering very discreetly, “don’t tell anyone, but it’s in his car right now. We didn’t want to be even more late.”
Remus nods in agreement. It’d be even more dangerous to share if they’d met up in the Hog’s Head, so James is glad they decided against that.
“And we’re sure this isn’t some last minute ploy?” Remus says, clearly a bit doubtful.
“Don’t sweat it, Remus,” Sirius assures him. “I think he even quit.”
“Well, that’s good. Remember, he wouldn’t be able to donate if he-”
“Are you all talking about me?” Regulus asks, sliding in next to James as he returns.
“Just updating Remus on the specifics of the donation,” Sirius explains, at the same time James says, “always.”
“They’re really together then, huh?” Remus leans over and mutters to Sirius, making him snort. “It doesn’t seem like they’re trying to, or at the very least James is trying to keep it a secret.”
“Nope. Must be nice, right?”
“December 25th,” Remus reminds him. “The second that clock hand turns midnight, Sirius Black I swear to you I will-”
“What can I getcha?” Rosmerta interrupts whatever filthy thing Remus is about to say next with her arrival, much to the joy of Regulus’ ears and innocence.
Regulus and Remus ask about tonight’s specials, while Sirius puts in an order for some Shepard’s Pie and James adds his request for the “adult” serving of chicken fingers. They both decide on some sort of soup, and a lot of alcohol.
“We really need to stop having these nights on weekdays,” Remus says, as he watches Sirius finish his second beer. “You’re all going to have the worst hangovers tomorrow, and it’s Christmas Eve. ”
“We’ll live,” James shrugs.
“Speaking of, do you have plans for it?” Sirius asks, double checking with a quick expression to James, who gets where this is going and nods.
“Not really, why?”
“Well, James’ parents always throw a huge dinner party. You should come. I’m going to be there, and probably a lot of our friends. It can be like a celebration for the victory against Starry Night, too,” Sirius adds, just as some extra temptation.
“I’m not sure…it might be unprofessional.” Remus is wavering, trying to decide between his desire for Sirius and his desire to, you know, keep his job.
“It won’t be after midnight,” Sirius reminds him, hinting heavily at that meaning with his eyes. Remus’ own eyes go wide at that.
“Deal. I’ll be there. Plus, I guess that’ll make us closer for midnight,” he adds thoughtfully.
“No matter what, I plan to be close in every way possible,” Sirius winks, and the other man goes red, his own flirting apparently not having any effect on him until Sirius recuperates. It’s adorable, James thinks.
“I think both of your intentions are obvious, so you should probably stop mentioning them around innocent ears,” Regulus says, reminding James so much and so little of Sirius it’s scary. He has the words down, and the sarcastic eye roll, but the tone and delivery are so different you wouldn’t notice it without knowing both of them.
Maybe it’s the alcohol making him emotional, or the warm lighting always associated with The Three Broomsticks, but James suddenly realises how much he truly does love his friends. Everything is perfect, right here in this moment. It’s hard to imagine that just yesterday things were falling apart, because everything is falling into place for James now. He’s going to inherit the family business just as he planned. He’s dating a man he practically loves . Here, in this warm bar, a bit drunk, James is the happiest he’s ever been. And it’s all thanks to Regulus.
_______________________________________________
Wednesday, December 24th, approx. 9:00am, approx. £350,000/£350,000 raised
Growing up, life was a game of actions with consequences. Every action has one, he learned from his time in his childhood house, and usually, they aren’t good. When he donated £3,500 to Potterly Trees, he’d figured the consequence would be good this time, because James is good. The logic was simple enough to Regulus. He should’ve known his parents wouldn’t allow anything simple.
“You were there when we made the contract, right?” An exasperated Dorcas asks him. “I just need to make sure I’m not going crazy, like you seem to be.”
“A bit rude,” Regulus mutters. “You could try being happy for me.”
“I am! So incredibly happy that you’ve gotten with James Potter, something that me, Evan, and Barty have been telling you to do since maybe four years ago or so . I am not happy that you’ve gone and donated £3,500 to him because of it!”
“Wow, thanks.”
“You know, Regulus, you could maybe try caring? You’ve just violated a contract against Starry fucking Night, not to mention your parents, who have been kind enough to inform me they kind of hate you right now, to be a sugar daddy to your brother’s best friend.”
“Terrible misinterpretation. Of the James thing, at least. He could pull someone much richer. My parents, though - they’ve hated me my whole life. This is just another Wednesday to me.”
“Great, he’s got jokes. While that’s incredibly sad, and I’m glad you got away from that don't get me wrong, I still would love to strangle you. They’re going to come down full force on you, and by extension, Potterly Trees. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, you’re fucked.”
“Your kind words are inspiring, really,” says Regulus, and Dorcas sighs. “But don’t worry. Me and Pandora have put together something we’re pretty sure we can use against them. It’s good. Really good.”
“I’m sure it is,” Dorcas agrees, like she’s talking to a child.
“Well, for one, we’re 99% sure they’re the ones who infected Potterly Trees with those death eaters.”
“Do you have any proof?”
“They basically confessed to it in a thinly concealed text message?”
“So, no. Is that all you’ve got?”
“I was thinking we could use that as blackmail!”
“It won’t work - trust me. It might scare them a bit, but without further proof, which will take months or even years to get, we’re screwed.”
“I do have one last idea,” Regulus reveals. He’s a bit tentative to explain it, because it’s a very delicate situation. Who even knows if it will work?
“Is it more blackmail?”
“A bit, yes, but not so much blackmail as the truth.”
“Fine. Lay it on me. I’m going to fight for you guys, I will, but I’m letting you know now it probably won’t work.”
“We use the fact they’ve been writing off my salary as charity, so I don’t technically count as an employee, against them. Say that since I’ve never been technically hired, they can’t count me as part of them, so it doesn’t count as someone affiliated with Starry Night.”
Dorcas goes silent, so Regulus knows he might’ve found something absolutely golden.
“It’s…not a bad idea,” Dorcas finally says after a while. “It’s actually quite good. Risky, but good.”
“So we can try it?”
“We can try it, but Regulus…I have to warn you, they’re mad. Mad at you. Mad at Sirius. And this is going to go a lot deeper than you think it will.”
“How deep?”
“Potentially, it could expose the laundering secrets they’ve been using for the past 20 years, and their entire network of employee-charity payouts.”
“But we don’t need to do that, right?” Regulus asks, ignoring the fact they’re mad at him and Sirius. What else is new? They’ve been angry at him ever since Sirius was born.
“Probably not. It’ll be our main blackmail piece - they don’t call the police on us for breaking the contract, ignoring the fact we technically haven’t, and we don’t call the police on them for breaking the law and tax evasion. Risky, as I said.”
“It sounds promising.”
“Honestly? It is. It’s very promising. I’ve already arranged the meeting - it’ll be at 10:30, but in their headquarters, in London. Could you spread the word?”
“That’s the worst emergency brunch ever,” jokes Regulus, getting a dry chuckle out of Dorcas.
“So you’ll do it? You got this?”
“You can count on me,” Regulus confirms. After that, they say their goodbyes, and hang up.
Regulus leaves the call feeling hopeful, and tells James the news - it isn’t a win or a loss just yet, but today’s meeting will determine the fate of Potterly Trees, and possibly Starry Night, too. He also tells Sirius, because clearly his parents must want everyone there, and trusts Sirius to be the one to tell Remus. They’re going to need him. While Dorcas’ helpful comment about not going hard on them is encouraging, Regulus acknowledges she is still hired by Starry Night to do a job, and it’s one she’s good at. Not only good at, but the best at. He doesn’t hold it against her, although logically, he knows that maybe he should. He also brings it upon himself to alert Barty and Evan, and Pandora as well, even if she won’t be attending the meeting. Her job is on the line too, or maybe already off it. Regulus isn’t sure if she’s quit or not, or if she’s going to get fired. He knows that being his friend definitely hasn’t helped her case.
From then on, it’s a waiting game. His mind won’t focus right, which he hopes won’t last, and despite normally being good at sitting still his legs are wandering around James’ bedroom as much as his mind is.
James comes in after about 15 minutes. Even though they did boast a lot about certain activities the night before, after the alcohol both had easily agreed to save it for another night, and then promptly passed out on James’ bed. Between his drunkenness the night before, and the phone call that woke him up and sucked his attention up, he hasn’t had a chance to look around yet.
The first thing he noticed was the cartoon-dinosaurs-against-dark-blue duvet, on top of Lightning McQueen bed sheets. The room is messy, with clothes strewn everywhere and on top of any surface but the floor, and his shelves are filled with little knick-knacks and books that Regulus just wants to study so he can find out everything he can about James. James’ room seemed so vibrant, and full of life, Regulus fell in love with it instantly. You could tell James lived in it, which would normally be off-putting, living in your childhood bedroom with your parents, but Regulus finds it a bit endearing. His own bedroom in his flat has just some plain, nevertheless expensive and luxurious, sheets and duvet, and is decorated in a more European style.
“You like the decor?” James asks, laying down in his bed with his feet dangling off. Regulus lays next to him.
“Sure,” he agrees, because he isn’t really sure what to think of it.
“I know, it’s a bit childish. I’ve had these sheets since I was probably 5. I haven’t repainted the walls, ever, or really changed the layout. I like it.”
“It’s not bad,” Regulus says.
“It’s okay. I’m not an interior designer or anything, and trust me, I am looking for my own place. It’s just a bit hard to find something cheap at the moment, and I sleep over at Sirius’ half the time anyway, so it’s not all that necessary.”
“Seriously, don’t worry about it. We could always go to my flat,” Regulus says. “It’s not bad, especially beyond the entryway.”
James looks intrigued by this idea, so it’s a win in Regulus’ book. Before he knows it, the time has passed, and Remus and Sirius are showing up at the door, ready to pile into the Potterly Trees van. Effie and Fleamont join them, of course, but Regulus gets the idea that maybe this is the last time they’re going to be the ones driving it. It’ll be up to James after that, and Regulus would be lying if he said he isn’t looking forward to that.
The walk inside the building is more nerve wracking than anything Regulus has ever experienced. It isn’t saying too much, considering he’s never really done anything too scary, but it’s still something.
Regulus leads the rest of the group to the room he knows the meeting will be held in. It’s a lavish room, the one he knows they use to make their guests feel inferior and poorer, which they usually are.
“Try not to ooh and ahh too much,” he advises, as they approach the room. It has glass walls, so he has to warn them early. Nevertheless, of course they are still in awe of the marble floors and over-the-top chandelier and other assorted expensive things when they enter.
Much like the meeting at Potterly Trees, Starry Night sits all on one side of the table, leaving the other half open to Potterly Trees. Regulus is honestly grateful for this setup, because nobody will have to sit next to anyone from there now.
Dorcas shoots him an apologetic glance once he sits down, which he acknowledges. He won’t hold this choice against her, at the very least, and she understands that.
Dorcas starts.
“The contract clearly stated that any employee of either Starry Night or Potterly Trees is strictly forbidden from contributing to the cause in any way. Regulus, do you admit that you contributed to the fund for Potterly Trees?”
Regulus nods, and stands up. “I admit, I did. However, I’d like to bring up I’m not hired.”
“Could you expand on that a bit more?” Dorcas prompts, smiling a bit.
“I have no official position, and I was never interviewed. How could I be hired?”
“Regulus, stop this. You know you work for us.”
“Do I? Do you have actual evidence I ever did? Because I remember you writing off my salary as donations, and giving the credit for every project I ever did to another one of your employees.”
Walburga and Orion are so mad, and it’s so obvious, it makes him a bit happy to see.
“It doesn’t count as the community helping,” Walburga sniffs, clearly grasping at straws. Dorcas quietly advises her not to fight this battle too much.
“Doesn’t it? I live in London, and I just want to donate so Potterly Trees stays open. I think that’s a perfectly normal reason to donate.”
“Let’s not pretend that’s the only reason,” Orion scoffs, and Dorcas sighs disappointedly at the fact they’re talking again.
“Could you expand on that?” Remus asks, standing up as well to match Regulus and Dorcas.
“He’s doing it for him,” sneers Orion, pointing at James, who adopts a strangely innocent look on his face.
“What are you insinuating by that, Mr. Black?” Remus pushes.
“I’m insinuating he only donated because that man has warped his mind. Our Regulus would never do that for them.”
“I’m not yours, or anyones,” Regulus says, a bit angry now. They must be delusional.
“No, you’ve made that very clear. Look at the price you’re paying for it, too. All of your friends work for us. We can give them a raise so high, they’ll never think of joining this little…group that you’ve got here.” Regulus betrays where his mind goes by looking at Dorcas.
“I’ll help that. I quit,” Barty announces. Regulus had forgotten he’d even agreed to come, but he’s glad he has, now.
“If he’s quitting, so will I,” Evan agrees, standing up next to Barty, and flipping off everyone on the Starry Night side. “That’s for Regulus.”
The two of them then leave, and Regulus makes a mental note to ask James to invite them to the party.
“Dorcas?”
It’s a question, a temptation from his father. A question of her loyalty. The temptation to abandon it.
It only takes one look at Regulus for her to decide. “I quit too. Fuck this. Also, I’m dating a girl, one who works at Potterly Trees, so you can take your homophobic opinions and shove them right up your wrinkly little-”
Dorcas is escorted out of the room by a Starry Night security guard before she can finish her sentence, which Regulus figures is probably for the better. He won’t lie, he’s happy she’s chosen their side. He had doubted her for a second, but he should’ve known better than to doubt the Dorcas Meadowes. He hadn’t expected all of his friends to quit for him, and evidently neither did the rest of the board members of Starry Night, given the shocked and disgruntled looks on their faces.
“Are you going to let us keep the £3,500 now?” Regulus asks, staring them down with a newfound confidence. They’re both absolutely buzzing with anger and nothing has ever been funnier.
They stay silent.
“You are going to let us keep the £3,500,” Regulus clarifies, answering for them.
“Fine,” Walburga says, her voice like ice. Chilling to the bone. “But if you make this decision, Regulus, we’ll never have you back. Ever.”
“Ever,” Orion says, even more determined and icy. “So when all of your little friends, and…him leave you, you won’t have us to lean on. When your brother leaves you again, we won’t be here. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Regulus says, without that much hesitation. There’s still that small part of him that finds comfort in that broken home, because it’s all he’s ever known. It’s terrifying, the idea of giving that up. But one look at Sirius, and it’s easy to make this choice, because he already has.
“And I won’t leave him again,” Sirius says, just to make sure Regulus knows this for sure. He thinks he does.
It turns out, the death eaters weren’t even necessary to bring up. Regulus has done this on his own, and he couldn’t be happier.
It feels unreal, walking out of the building and knowing that he is free. Free from Walburga and Orion. Free to do whatever the hell he pleases, whenever the hell he pleases, as long as it’s in the confines of the law. Even then, maybe not. It’s in the family.
Effie and Fleamont leave first, deciding to take the train, so Effie can go back to bed. Regulus has never met a woman who loves sleeping more, or a man who loved his wife more.
“We have to celebrate this,” Sirius says, already thinking.
“I think you’ll be doing a lot of celebrating tonight anyways,” Regulus mumbles.
“No, I’m gonna stay sober tonight. Much more ethical to kiss Remus, then,” Sirius says honestly.
“Sirius!” Remus hisses at him, but he’s blushing, so Sirius doesn’t seem to mind.
“What? We both know it’s true,” shrugs Sirius. Remus just sighs,but underneath that tired-lawyer demeanour he has going on, Regulus knows he’s smiling. The effort it takes for Sirius to not get drunk and party at a party is incredible, which Regulus has observed through years of Hogwarts parties.
“Don’t even mention drinking,” James says, and shudders. “I’m still working on a hangover from last night.”
“Lightweight,” Regulus laughs, despite working on his own. James laughs with him, a sound that’s just beautiful. A perfect combination of every sweet sound in the world. If there was a sound to chocolate being made, and not the machines or the liquid sloshing around, it’d sound like James’ laugh, he’s sure of it.
“Also,” Regulus adds, before he forgets, “Dorcas, you’re definitely going to be there. Barty and Evan, you too.”
“Is it at the barn again?” Dorcas asks for clarification. Never one to miss a beat, she is. James nods.
“We’ll be there,” Barty agrees, answering for both him and Evan. They’re never really apart, so Regulus figures it makes sense.
“Yep. If there’s a party, we’re already invited,” Evan says. “We’ll see you there!”
With that, they leave, going who knows where. It starts snowing again, so everyone else slowly dissipates as well, leaving just James and Regulus in the snow. They’ve got to stop meeting like this.
“It’s going to be a white Christmas,” James smiles, looking around at the snow. Every bit of precipitation before had melted before it had the chance to stick. This, though…this seems different.
“How can you tell? The day’s not over yet.”
“Well, I can’t confirm or deny it, but my weather predictions have a history of being correct. I’m a very lucky man for it.”
“That you are, James, that you are,” Regulus agrees, pulling him in for one more snow-dusted kiss.
“I mean, clearly. I know Regulus Black.”
“You’re going to make my head as big as Sirius’, with comments like those,” Regulus warns but only smiles.
“Only the best head for you.”
Regulus’ face goes very red at that, and it’s quickly apparent that is not what James meant.
“Wait! No, nope, sorry, not like that - unless you want it like that, but I don’t think so - I only mean your ego is already the best, and-”
“James, it’s fine, don’t worry. I know what you mean.”
“Thank goodness. That was embarrassing. Man, am I glad the others have already left.”
“Agreed. It’d be quite embarrassing for your friends and family to hear how much you wanted to fuc-”
Regulus grins a bit evilly seeing how easily James’ own face goes red, his eyes going wide and a bit worried as he quickly cover’s Regulus’ mouth with his hand to stop him from finishing the word.
“Oh, your parents are going to kill me. I know they have cameras out here.”
Regulus shrugs, and because he can’t say anything with James’ hand over his mouth, he opts to lick it. His tongue can feel the calluses on his hands, from the years of chopping wood and working outdoors, and Regulus suddenly has an odd urge to learn every part of James’ story by letting his tongue taste his entire body.
“Gah!” James says, removing his hand quickly.
“What? You don’t like my tongue?”
“Definitely not. I mean, I’m very enthusiastic about it, I’ll have you know. Was just a shock, that’s all. I’m not used to people licking my hands.”
He’s saying it like Regulus is a madman for it, which is just ridiculous. “You’re making it very obvious you’re an only child, love. Sirius used to do that to me all the time when I tried to get him to shut up.”
“That sounds like your first mistake.”
“And my second?”
“If you’re already going to lick my hand, you might as well lick other places, too.”
It doesn’t take a genius to guess what James means, and Regulus takes the invitation with open arms.